The reading from the Morning Prayer of the Church (the Divine Office; breviary) is a powerful and counterintuitive exhortation from the apostle Paul that challenges our natural inclinations and societal norms. “Bless those who persecute  you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation.” (Romans 12:14-16). 

At first glance, the idea of blessing those who persecute us seems paradoxical. Our human instincts often lead us to respond with defensiveness, anger, or even retaliation when we encounter opposition or persecution. However, Paul’s teaching here goes beyond these instinctive reactions and calls us to embody the radical love and grace of Christ in the face of adversity. For most of us, St. Paul might have added “…take a deep breath and then bless those who…”

“Blessing” our persecutors does not mean condoning or minimizing the harm they may be causing. Instead, it invites us to cultivate a habit of the heart that seeks the well-being and transformation of even those who oppose us. This perspective resonates with the teachings of Jesus who teaches us the same response and offers why this should be so: “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.” (Matthew 5:44-45)

When we bless our persecutors, we acknowledge our common humanity and recognize that they too are in need of God’s grace and redemption. We acknowledge that they too are children of God.. This act of blessing is rooted in humility because it requires us to let go of our desire for vengeance or vindication and entrust justice to God.

When we bless instead of curse, we open ourselves up to a deeper understanding of God’s transformative work in us. Such an understanding forms our words and actions, which in turn form our habits, which become the posture of humility and grace that serves as a witness to the world of the love of Christ operating within you.

When we bless instead of curse, we break the cycle of hatred and revenge and, instead we are reminded that our identity is found in Christ, and our commitment is to making the Kingdom of God visible in our today even as we await its fulfillment in our tomorrow.

Think of someone in your life for whom you are withholding love, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Take a moment and offer a prayer of blessing for them. It’s a start.

Image credit: Pexles